The remains of the immediate past acting Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle has been laid to rest in Ibadan, on Thursday, November 14, 2024 according to Islamic rites.
Chief Isiaka Adekunle passed-on at the early hours of Thursday, November 14, 2024.
The Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi who was among the early sympathizers at his residence described as a rude shock, the news of the sudden passage of the distinguished scholar and an illustrious son and chief in Ibadanland.
Prof. Akinlabi noted that his death has created a vacuum which will be difficult to fill, while praying Almighty Allah to comfort the family and friends.
A college delegation led the Director of Works and Services, Engr. Dauda Salam Adeniran together with the acting Librarian, Mr. Rasak Oyewo and Mr. Olajire Gbadamosi, secretary to the Management had led other staff members to pay a condolence visit to the deceased family.
The Executive Director, Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute (NISPRI) and the Governing Council Chairman that superintends over OYSCATECH during the administration of the deceased, Prof. Lateef Sanni has also eulogized the former acting Rector, Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle.
According to Prof. Sanni, “Chief Adekunle was a scholar per excellence, passionate teacher and accomplished administrator who succeeded in putting his foot prints on the sands of time at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora. He will be remembered for his humility and immeasurable contributions to OYSCATECH. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcoming and grant him Aljana Fridous.
Meanwhile, the former Rector, Prof. Gbemiga Adewale has also described the death of Chief Adekunle as a colossal loss. According to him, “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle, former Deputy Rector and Acting Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora. My heartfelt condolences goes out to his family, friends, and the entire OYSCATECH community. May God grant us comfort and strength during this difficult time.”
The former Bursar, Dr. Sarafa Agbogun in his condolence message said, “The news of your sudden departure from this World came as a rude shock to me, Baba Baale Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle! It is my prayer that Allah grants you aljanah fridous.
“To the entire OYSCATECH community, I pray for Allah’s protection. May Allah grant the family he left behind, the fortitude to bear the great loss.”
The former College Librarian, Dr. Olaojo equally described the death of Chief Adekunle as a painful loss.
According to him, “Death can kill good men but not their memories. He was so humane and humble…a professional to the core…quiet but deep… The Lord will comfort everyone of us and watch over his immediate family and community.”
Mr. Niyi Fehintola, a former Registrar also described as monumental loss, the death of Chief Adekunle. He prayed God to comfort the family and friends and OYSCATECH Community.
The Former acting Registrar, Mr. Paul Oyediran in his condolence message to OYSCATECH Rector and the entire Staff of the Institution explained that it is sad to hear of the death of Chief Adekunle. He prayed God to grant everyone especially his immediate family, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
A former Deputy Rector, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola described as terrible, the news of Dr. Adekunle’s demise. According to him, “Your death, Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle, Baale and former Acting Rector of the College was a big blow to me. Very hard for me to believe that you have gone to your maker.” He prayed God to accept his home coming, while consoling his family members, OYSCATECH Management and members of the College Community.
Immediate past member of the Council and Community representative on the Governing Council of OYSCATECH, Alhaji Rahman Alayande equally joined others to mourn the sudden passage of former acting Rector, Chief Adekunle.
A former Chairman, Committee of Deans, Dr. Oluyemi Ayanboye also expressed her grief, in her words, “It is difficult to believe. Just like that Baba Baale. Your memory is very difficult to erase from my mind. Adieu”
According to Mr. Onike Rahaman in his condolence message; “ the sudden and unexpected passing of Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle today has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. As we grapple with the reality of this devastating loss, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones. Throughout his life, Chief Adekunle demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in all endeavours.
As a Godly person, agronomist, soil scientist, and administrator par excellence, his impact was felt far and wide. In his role as Director of Academic Planning, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, Deputy Rector, and Acting Rector before his retirement from the public service a year ago, Adekunle’s kindness, honesty, energy, and creativity were on full display.
“Over the past seventeen years, I have had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Chief Adekunle. His leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, will be sorely missed by the college community.
“As a Congregation Representative on the Governing Council during my tenure that has just ended, I have seen firsthand the profound impact of Chief Adekunle’s work.
” His dedication to the success of the Council and the college at large was truly inspiring, and the remarkable achievements we witnessed during his tenure as Acting Rector are a testament to his commitment to excellence.
In the face of this tremendous loss, we can only offer our deepest condolences to Chief Adekunle’s family and pray that God grants them the strength to persevere through this difficult time. As we reflect on the life and accomplishments of this remarkable man, we are reminded of the power of kindness, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place.”
“The sudden and unexpected passing of Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle today has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. As we grapple with the reality of this devastating loss, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.
“Throughout his life, Chief Adekunle demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in all endeavours. As a Godly person, agronomist, soil scientist, and administrator per excellence, his impact was felt far and wide.
” In his role as Director of Academic Planning, Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors, Deputy Rector, and Acting Rector before his retirement from the public service a year ago, Adekunle’s kindness, honesty, energy, and creativity were on full display.
“Over the past seventeen years, I have had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Chief Adekunle. His leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, will be sorely missed by the college community.
“In addition to his stellar contributions to the academic sphere, Chief Adekunle was also a devoted member of the Muslim community. As the Pioneer Chairman, he dedicated significant time, energy, and resources to fostering unity among members of the community. I have witnessed firsthand the impact of his efforts, and I am confident that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
“As a Congregation Representative on the Governing Council during my tenure that has just ended, I have seen firsthand the profound impact of Chief Adekunle’s work. His dedication to the success of the Council and the college at large was truly inspiring, and the remarkable achievements we witnessed during his tenure as Acting Rector are a testament to his commitment to excellence.
“In the face of this tremendous loss, we can only offer our deepest condolences to Chief Adekunle’s family and pray that God grants them the strength to persevere through this difficult time. As we reflect on the life and accomplishments of this remarkable man, we are reminded of the power of kindness, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place.
Dr. Oluseun Oladoyinbo in his condolence message described the Late Chief Adekunle as an extraordinary figure – a father, mentor, and friend—Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle. In his words; “he was not only our former Acting Rector but also a beacon of excellence whose impact transcended the walls of academia. Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle was far more than an administrator; he was a paragon of humility and dedication. As one of the pioneering lecturers in the Faculty of Plant and Environmental Sciences, he instilled a legacy of professionalism and unwavering commitment. His contributions set a benchmark that inspires and shapes the institution’s path. Under his exemplary leadership as Acting Rector, OYSCATECH experienced remarkable growth. Among his many accomplishments was the successful advocacy for and realization of the donated office building for the Department of Agricultural Technology.
“His vision and determination propelled the institution forward and left an enduring imprint of progress and innovation. A renowned Registered Soil Scientist, Chief Adekunle’s scholarly contributions enriched his field and illuminated the lives of countless students and colleagues.
“Yet, beyond his professional accolades, he was a man of profound humility—an authentic “dreams promoter” who recognized the potential in others and tirelessly nurtured their growth. On behalf of myself and my family, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire OYSCATECH community.
May the Almighty grant all of you strength during this difficult time, and may we all find solace in the enduring legacy he leaves behind.”
Dr. Adedayo Theodore equally described the Chief Adekunle as a leader who was constantly creating opportunities for everyone to be inspired to achieve and realize their goals. He was a great motivator of both Staff and Students. May his Soul find rest with his Maker.”
Other Staff members who sent in their condolence messages included; Dr. Wasiu Raheem, Mr. Osunleke, Mr. Badmus, Mrs Sekinat Adejuwon, Prince Akintayo Akinyemi, Mr. Akanni, Mr. Abel Oladeji among others.
Similarly, the Executive Council, Mission Board, and the entire OYSCATECH Muslim Community have sympathized with the Management of OYSCATECH on the news of the death of the immediate past Acting Rector, who also doubled as the immediate past Chairman of OYSCATECH Muslim Community, Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle.
The Board noted the contributions of Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle to the development of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora and the Muslim Community being the pioneer Chairman.
The Secretary to the OYSCATECH Muslim Community, Alhaji Luqman Adesope in a condolence letter signed on behalf of the Board maintained that Chief Adekunle’s contributions will remain indelible in the history of the Muslim Community and the College at large.
Moreover, the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) in their condolence message signed by Comrade Oladele Adekunle reads “we are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved former Acting Rector.
“His remarkable achievements, kindness, and generosity inspired countless lives, and his legacy will continue to resonate within our community.
“Though he may be gone, his impact will never fade from our memories. We will miss him dearly, but his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
According to the Interest-Free Cooperative in their condolence letter signed by Mr. H. M. “The Chairman, Executives and entire congress of Interest-Free Cooperative Society solemnly commiserate with the Adekunle family, OYSCATECH Muslim Community and the entire College community on the painful death of Chief Isiaka Olaniyi Adekunle – a foundational member.
“His sacrifices and contributions to the establishment and sustainably of the Interest-Free Cooperative are immeasurable and will continue to linger on in our hearts.
“We beseech Allah in His infinite mercy to reward Chief Adekunle in thousand fold for his steadfastness and acquit him of all his human frailties. We pray Allah grant him honourable admission into aljahana firdaoz. May Allah, also, continue to be with all that he left behind.”
The OYSCATECH Christian Community in their Condolence Message described Chief Adekunle as a loving and dedicated leader whose impact will never be forgotten.
They prayed God to comfort all at this difficult time.
Chief Adekunle was born in Oluyole Local Government of Oyo State 66years ago.
He attended Lagelu grammar School, Agugu were he obtained his Senior Secondary School Certificate in 1973.
He proceeded to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he bagged Bachelor’s Degree in soil science in 1982.
He later proceeded to the University of Ibadan to obtain Master’s Degree in Agronomy (soil science) in 1988, thereby becoming a specialist in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition.
Mr. Adekunle served as lecturer at Ondo State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, during his NYSC programme.
He was a Research Officer I Agronomy at National Cereal Research Institute Badeggi, Bida, Niger State between 1991 and 1992.
He also worked as Lecturer II at the Department of Agricultural Science, Federal College of education, Okene, Kogi State.
The former acting Rector, worked in various agricultural institutes as farm Manager, he was a Chief Research assistant at International Livestock Centre for Africa humid Zone programme, Ibadan, between 1992 and 1994.
He also worked as Research Associate (Forage Agronomy) at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan between 1994 and 2000.
Mr. Adekunle was employed as Lecturer II for the Department of Soil Science and Farm Mechanization at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State between 2000 and 2004 and was promoted to the post of lecturer I.
Chief Adekunle joined the services of OYSCATECH in March 2008 as Senior Lecturer and was appointed as Head of Agricultural Technology, Department. He was also Dean, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences between 2010 and 2013.
By and large, Chief Adekunle rose to the position of Chief lecturer and served the institution diligently.
Mr. Adekunle served as Director of Academic Planning before taking-on the position of Deputy Provost. He was Deputy Provost 1st August, 2014 – 31st July, 2018, the position he held for two terms.
Chief Adekunle was appointed as Director, OYSCATECH Ventures on 1st August, 2018, the position he held until 9th July, 2019 when he was appointed as acting Rector. Upon the appointment of substantive Management on 20th December, 2022, Chief Adekunle handed-over to Prof. Akinlabi led Management.
He retired from active service in 2023 having served meritoriously and had contributed immensely to the advancement of OYACATECH and society at large.
Chief Adekunle is a District Head (Baale in Ibadan) and will be greatly missed for his fatherly role, love and commitment to educational advancement.
E-Signed;
Olawore, H. Opeyemi
Public Relations Officer